Not everyone is beaming as e-scooters officially begin duty (2024)

After a few months of taking guesses as to when they will arrive, e-scooters are officially in Queenstown — or at least, parts of it.

Yesterday, purple Beam scooters appeared at several spots around the CBD, the Gorge Rd industrial area, and Kawarau Village, at Kelvin Heights.

It was the start of up to 300 being rolled out across "partner businesses", which hosted the e-scooters’ virtual docking parks.

These included Night ‘n Day Camp Street, FreshChoice, Four Seasons Motel and DoubleTree by Hilton, among others.

There was a noticeable gap in Frankton businesses and nothing in Fernhill.

It is understood all major hoteliers in Queenstown were approached by Beam Mobility for partnership — but with the exception of DoubleTree, none were on board.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council agreed to enter a memorandum of understanding with Beam in December for a two-year trial, effectively to test Queenstown’s network and see if e-scooters would be a viable micromobility transport option.

Not everyone is beaming as e-scooters officially begin duty (1)

Beam e-scooters line up for their first day of duty outside Night ‘n Day Camp St store yesterday. PHOTO: MELISSA READY

Despite councillors requesting the e-scooters’ operating hours be extended past 10pm, to provide a transport option for CBD night workers to potentially get home, Beam set the operating hours between 6am-10pm.

Fernhill, most of the top residential streets on Queenstown Hill and the peninsula past Kawarau Falls were all "no-go zones".

Beam’s website stated riders "should keep out of these zones", and they were not able to end their trips there — e-scooters would automatically power-off within 0.5 seconds of entering one.

Beam Australia and New Zealand general manager Tom Cooper said he understood community concerns about micromobility in Queenstown, and the adjustment the public had to make with the introduction of a new mode of transport.

"It is important that the community understands the advanced technology behind shared e-scooters that differs from the personal e-scooters they may have seen, or even shared bike schemes from years ago."

There were plenty of proven safety features and protocols in place to both deter bad behaviour, and investigate those who did not abide by Beam’s rules, he said.

These included the Beam Safe Academy education programme, and restrictions such as "slow zones" where speeds of e-scooters would automatically reduce.

melissa.ready@odt.co.nz

Not everyone is beaming as e-scooters officially begin duty (2024)

FAQs

Why does everyone have an electric scooter? ›

They Are Portable

Because electric scooters are so portable, they are easy to store away when you are not using them, and they take up very little space. In addition to being portable, electric scooters require very little maintenance, which is another plus.

What are the impacts of e-scooters? ›

The first positive impact of electric scooters is that they can reduce the reliance on private vehicles and public transport. This results in time and money saved, traffic congestion and carbon emissions reduced, and air quality improved.

What are the positives and negatives of e-scooters? ›

Pros and cons of e-scooters
  • Pro: safer than bikes.
  • Con: dangerous to pedestrians.
  • Pro: environmental benefits.
  • Con: environmental issues.
  • Pro: accessible for many.
  • Con: cost of purchase.
Dec 14, 2022

What are the criticism of e-scooters? ›

But using the scooters on roads without sufficient infrastructure such as cycle lanes is also risky, especially due to lack of regulations. Even when not in use, e-scooters can be hazardous: most sharing services are dockless, resulting in scooters being discarded on footpaths, causing obstructions.

Who uses electric scooters the most? ›

Here's Why. Most users of micromobility devices like dockless scooters and e-bikes are young men. Fixing that gender gap may take more than just adding safety features.

Is electric scooter good or bad? ›

E-scooters are powered by electricity and do not produce any harmful emissions. Hence, they contribute to a cleaner environment. The electric segment is in the initial stages, and therefore, charging stations are limited in number. This makes e-scooters unsuitable for long-distance travel, especially on highways.

Are electric scooters bad for the environment? ›

In fact, during the use phase, electric vehicles (including scooters) do not pollute. That's right, there are no CO2 or other polluting emissions – only particles related to braking. This means that the longer electric scooters (or electric cars) are used, the more ecological advantage they get.

Are e-bikes safer than scooters? ›

Safer. Electric bikes are generally considered safer than electric scooters because they are more stable and easier to control. They also have better brakes, which can help prevent accidents.

What problems do electric scooters solve? ›

Some urban mobility experts call electric scooters the "motorisation of pedestrians" as the main goal in the transport sector is to relieve pressure on roads and reduce emissions.

Are scooters good for you? ›

Riding a scooter strengthens (core) muscles

Riding a scooter can be also seen as a light workout for core muscles, arms, shoulders, and legs. Especially when you need to stabilize yourself the most that's when the core muscles work out the hardest.

What is the battery life of an electric scooter? ›

Typically, with proper maintenance, the battery life of an electric scooter ranges from 300-500 full charge cycles, equivalent to 2-3 years for the average user. For those who ride extensively, the determining factor becomes the number of charge cycles rather than the duration.

Do electric scooters save gas? ›

On average, electric scooters can save you hundreds of dollars on gas annually. By relying on electricity for charging, you eliminate the need for regular fuel purchases.

Are electric scooters a fire risk? ›

Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and if you suspect it is damaged it should be replaced and should not be used or charged.

Are fast electric scooters safe? ›

But in fact, e-scooter riders sustain more injuries per mile than bicyclists, according to a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Between 2017 and 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 111 people died in e-scooter incidents.

Why are electric scooters better than normal scooters? ›

Fast and Efficient — E-scooters can go faster than kick-scooters, making them great for longer distances and quicker commutes. Less Physical Effort — You don't have to tire yourself out since they're powered by a motor.

Why are electric scooters becoming more popular? ›

The reasons for using e-scooters are multifaceted: according to the ADAC analysis, it is mainly the fun of driving (14 percent of those surveyed), the alternative means of transport to walking (twelve percent) and the faster progress (eight percent) that motivate people to get on the electrically powered scooters.

Is there any point buying an electric scooter? ›

Electric scooters are not only cost-efficient in terms of purchase price but also in the ongoing costs of fuelling and maintenance. When compared to traditional petrol-based vehicles, the savings become increasingly evident over time. The perks of electric scooter use extend beyond mere cost savings.

Why have scooters become so popular? ›

Scooters, particularly those with automatic transmission, are popular in developing countries because they are inexpensive and economical. When compared to cars, a scooter is much less expensive and more practical, so many people use it.

How did electric scooters become popular? ›

The modern wave of electric scooter began in 2009 when Myway turned into Inokim and became one of the leading electric scooter manufacturers. These scooters made full use of new more efficient lithium-ion batteries to make fast scooters that could be charged at home.

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